10 Affordable Beauty Services Hiding In Chicago

10 Affordable Beauty Services Hiding In Chicago

When the snow falls, sadly, so do spirits, and a jam-packed day of pampering is the fastest way to get your happy back. Serious beauty-treatment cravings are totally normal when winter doldrums hit, but they can often be pricey. Don’t let that New Year's resolution to spend less money get in the way of an essential massage, facial, or other make-me-gorgeous session. You can spa for less (just as effectively) if you know where to look. To help you stick to your guns, we’ve found the best beauty services in Chicago that won’t break the bank. Spend your frostiest days inside, perfectly manicured and coiffed. If there's a better way to survive winter, we haven't found it.

Advertisement

Petite Facial at Adam’s Skin Care, $45
Affordable facials do exist. And they are a wonderful, wonderful thing. Stripped down to just the absolute essentials, this quick-n-dirty facial is exactly what you need to face those harsh winter winds off of the lake.Adam’s Skin Care, 3257 North Sheffield Avenue, (between Belmont Avenue and School
Street); 773-865-2864.

Bumble & Bumble Mini-Hair Repair at Sine Qua Non, $7
Stop by your local Sine Qua Non for this quick deep-conditioning treatment that costs less than what you’ll spend on street parking. Use it as an add-on to your haircut or color service, or just stop by when you need a little somethin’ to get you through the winter months.
Sine Qua Non, 2766 North Lincoln Avenue (at Diversey Street); 773-871-2280.

Haircut & Style at the Aveda Institute, $28
Little known secret: Salons attached to Chicago’s beauty schools are the best places to get the look (for less). Let budding experts transform your frostbitten tresses into something that’ll look just as good in your hat as out. Plus the enriching Aveda products are treat enough themselves.
Aveda Institute, 2828 North Clark Street (just North of Diversey Parkway); 773-883-1560.

Eye Brow Sculpt at JJ Waxing, $12
Step away from the tweezers and leave it to the experts. Seriously. The only permanent look of surprise you’ll get here is from the price. You’re in, you’re out, you’re sculpted, you’re done.
JJ Waxing, 1729 North Clybourn Avenue (between North Sheffield Avenue and Concord
Place); 312-951-7335.

Spa Pedicure at Jordan Nails, $20
Just because you never seem to take off your boots doesn’t mean you can just forget about your toes. Keep them fresh, filed and painted for the off chance you’re taking your socks off in the relatively near future. You’ll thank yourself for this one later.
Jordan Nails, 2010 West Chicago Avenue (at North Damon Avenue); 773-489-9224.

Makeup Application at The Benefit Boutique, free with any $50 product purchase
Out of foundation the night before that hot date you’ve been fantasizing about all week? (Trust us, it’s happened.) Take a quick stop in the Benefit Boutique and let them apply your warpaint for free with any $50 product purchase. The only difficult thing about it is not buying everything in the store.
The Benefit Boutique, 852 West Armitage Avenue (between Dayton and Fremont Streets); 773-880-9192.

Ener Manicure at EnerSpa, $18
We think this deal pretty much speaks for itself. One of the hottest new spas in Chicago, with the chicest polish colors, all for less than you’ll spend on dinner tonight. We couldn’t say no, and you shouldn’t either.
EnerSpa, 1702 North Damon Avenue (at West Wabansia Avenue); 773-278-
4700.

No-Chip Manicure at Fantasy Nails, $35
Haven’t had a chance to try the brilliance that is the no-chip manicure yet? Well, there’s no time like the present. Take care of your manicure for the next month and a half for what it would cost to get one manicure (that’s all too likely to chip). It’s just one more thing you can check off your to-do list.
Fantasy Nails, 1743 W North Avenue (between Hermitage Avenue and Wood Street);
773-384-0717.

Advertisement

Basic Coloring at Paul Mitchell, starting at $27
The best way to get rid of the winter blues? To also get rid of the winter brassy blonde and grown out roots. The technicians at Paul Mitchell know what they’re talking about and don’t charge you through the nose either. Your mane and wallet will be as full as ever. Paul Mitchell The School, 1225 South Halsted Street (between 12th Place and O’Brien Street); 312-733-9285.

50-Minute Massage at Chicago Touch, $60
Recoup from any and all shoveling that might take place in the next, you know, four months. Fifty minutes of pure bliss in someone else’s capable hands for a little more than a dollar a minute could be the most brilliant idea ever. And money well spent.
Chicago Touch, 1335 W Lake Street (between Elizabeth and Ada Steets); 312-929-3083.